Mad Jack Percival

By James H. Ellis

Subjects: United states, navy, biography, Biography, Officers, United States, United States. Navy

Description: "Captain John "Mad Jack" Percival, one of the most colorful figures of the Old Navy era, was a legend in his time. Known as a seaman of uncommon ability and fearlessness, he led such an extraordinary life that he attracted the attention of famous novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and James Michener to name a few - who used him as a model for their characters. The fact that his first and last ships are national shrines has only enhanced his reputation. Percival's naval career began in 1797 when he was impressed into British naval service aboard the HMS Victory and ended in 1846 after taking the USS Constitution on her only around-the-world cruise. This book draws from unpublished journals, letters, and logs to provide previously unknown details about Percival's adventures and the formative years of the U.S. Navy.". "Hailing from Cape Cod and recognized by Congress for meritorious action in the War of 1812, Mad Jack fought against the French and British and commanded the Constitution off the coast of Mexico weeks before war with that country broke out. In between he chased West Indies pirates and Globe mutineers, tussled with South Pacific chieftains, policed distant American whalers and merchantmen, charted unknown waters, quarreled with missionaries, and educated and trained midshipmen. He also skirmished with local forces in what is now Vietnam, an action some considered to be the first western armed intervention in that region."--BOOK JACKET.